Spain beats France 2-0 to reach World Cup final

Spain secured their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with a 2-0 win over France in the semi-final held on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas.

Mikel Oyarzabal scored first from the penalty spot after Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal. Pedro Porro then added a second goal in the second half, capping a smooth move set up by Dani Olmo.

Oyarzabal converted the penalty in the 22nd minute after referee Ivan Barton whistled for a foul by Digne on Yamal. This goal marked Oyarzabal's fifth in the tournament and was the first time either team fell behind in their World Cup journey.

Spain took control of the match when Porro finished a quick passing play in the 58th minute, leaving France struggling to catch up. The win puts Spain in the final on Sunday against the winner of the second semi-final between England and Argentina.

France, aiming for their third World Cup final in a row, found it hard to break through Spain’s solid defense. Luis de la Fuente's team kept their strong form going as they moved towards the tournament's final.

A post-match report from FIFA said Spain outplayed France. "Spain frustrated France at one end and punished them at the other to deservedly win their FIFA World Cup 2026™ semi-final at Dallas Stadium."

"La Roja limited Les Bleus’ chances with solid defending and scored through Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro. Spain will now face the winners of the England-Argentina match at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday. They won their last final against the Netherlands in 2010, thanks to Andres Iniesta."

France started the match as slight favorites. Though Kylian Mbappe posed a threat during counter-attacks, Lamine Yamal got the first big chance of the game. The winger, just a day after turning 19, reached the ball before Digne and was fouled in the box. Oyarzabal calmly slotted the penalty past Mike Maignan, known for saving penalties.

Tension remained high even in the final minutes, but Porro sealed the game with his goal in the 58th minute. The report noted, "The advantage grew when Porro played a clever one-two with Dani Olmo, taking the return perfectly and placing the ball in the bottom corner."

Despite bringing on Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki, France struggled to find their way back into the match. Goalkeeper Unai Simon acted wisely as a sweeper-keeper, while Marc Cucurella made a crucial challenge on Mbappe.

Mbappe could still gain something from the tournament, as hinted by the football body. The final whistle brought joy to the Spanish fans and disappointment for the French. Didier Deschamps' team will have a chance for bronze on Saturday, and Mbappe could chase the adidas Golden Boot for top scorer.